Saturday 19 April is the 7th annual Record Store Day, now marked by the release of hundreds of "exclusive" records. What started as a way to draw attention to declining independent record stores, has now become a key date for every to make a little money... We just hope the stores themselves are making a little more from the exclusive sales.
But, all that aside, it is a day to get out and remind oneself of the simple pleasure to be found in flicking through racks of vinyl.
For us, the focus of the day will be Belfast's newest vinyl only record store, Sick Records.
Having only opened on 07 March this year, the arrival of Sick Records is thrilling – reigniting the possibilities once found in Belfast's long lost independent record store legacy.
On the day the store will open at 8am for anyone who simply can't wait until regular opening hours.
What Sick say:
As well as offering the best alternative limited edition RSD vinyl releases available exclusively through Independent Record Stores in the UK, we'll also be hosting some very special in-store performances from some of our favourite local artists.
We are delighted to announce that Little Matador will be our debut in-store at Sick Records. Opening up for us at 12.30pm, Nathan Connolly will be accompanied by Dave Magee for an exclusive acoustic set of songs from their forthcoming self-titled debut album released on 21 April, copies of which will be available to buy pre-release from Sick Records on the day.
Also playing will be Robyn G Shiels, Unknwn and the Penny Dreadfuls with special guest DJs throughout the day.
Times:
12:30pm : Little Matador
2:00pm : Robyn G Shiels
3.30pm : Unknwn
5.00pm : Penny Dreadfuls
Sick Records on Facebook
Sick Records on Twitter
Facebook event page
Read a piece for our last issue with Kenny, the man behind Sick Records.
Of course, as much as we love Sick because it is all new and shiny, we shouldn't forget Head, now to be found in Castle Court.
What Head say:
We'll be opening our doors at 8am; CastleCourt shopping centre will be open from 7:30am.
For those wanting to get down early & queue, please queue at the front (Royal Avenue) of the centre. Head staff will be there early to help manage the queue before the doors open & keep you all warm with a cuppa!
We have Belfast's finest DJ's spinning all genres of music throughout the day to keep you all movin' and groovin'.
Chris Caul (Dusty Fingers)
Gary Hall & Dave Neely (Funky Disposition)
Keith Mccormick (Re-Rub Reggae)
Gary Small (Gazfunk)
Turbo Trev (Automatic Revolution)
Paschal (Love Party/ Bang)
Don't forget your Vinyl Reward Card
For every £12 you spend on vinyl, we give you a sticker. 10 stickers on your card is worth a £15 voucher.
All record store titles are limited & strictly first-come first-served.
Head Belfast on Facebook
Head Belfast on Twitter
Head's RSD event page.
At this stage we shall defer to our peer and rival, the Thin Air, who take a look at the rest of the Record Store Day events in and around Norther Ireland, including Dragon Records, Good Vibrations, Cool Discs and more. Read their round-up here...
Record Store Day official website
List of releases
RSD on Facebook
RSD on Twitter
Record Store Day...
Date: 16/04/2014
